Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake – Soft, Spiced, and Creamy Delight

This Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake captures all the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll in an easy, moist cake form. Layers of cinnamon-spiced cake are “poked” and filled with a luscious cream cheese glaze, creating a rich, gooey texture with every bite. Perfect for dessert, brunch, or anytime you crave a sweet treat with comforting cinnamon flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Cinnamon Flavor – Warm cinnamon swirls throughout the moist cake.
Cream Cheese Glaze – Sweet and tangy glaze soaks into the cake for gooey goodness.
Easy to Make – Simple cake mix base with easy poke-and-pour technique.
Perfect for Gatherings – Crowd-pleasing dessert that’s impressive yet effortless.

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required on the box)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake mix according to package instructions, stirring in cinnamon. Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
2. Bake the Cake
   Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Make the Filling
   In a small saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat until bubbly. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then pour over the hot cake immediately.
4. Poke the Cake
   Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the cake (about 1-inch apart) to allow the brown sugar mixture to soak in.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
   Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and pourable.
6. Pour the Glaze
   Drizzle the cream cheese glaze evenly over the cake.
7. Chill and Serve
   Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~320
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 30g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake – Keep the cake moist by checking early with a toothpick.
• Pour Brown Sugar Mixture Hot – This helps it seep deeply into the cake.
• Chill Before Serving – Makes slicing easier and enhances flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The warm cinnamon cake combined with the gooey brown sugar butter filling and tangy cream cheese glaze creates a luscious, layered dessert experience. Poking the cake lets the sweet sauce seep in, keeping each bite moist and flavorful.

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake is an easy, irresistible dessert that brings all the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls into a moist, creamy cake. Whether for special occasions or everyday indulgence, it’s sure to become a favorite.